Spots in Nachikatsuura / Taiji / Shingu Area

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Nachikatsuura / Taiji / Shingu

Category

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

4.5

652 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan 1

One of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Unlike the other two, however, the origin of this shrine lies in a primeval faith which sees the Nachi Falls deep in the mountains as sacred. At the affiliated Hiro-jinja Shrine, the falls themselves are worshipped, and since ancient times this shrine has been visited by numerous faithful and other visitors asking for a long life. Visitors can drink the water at the falls’ basin from a platform directly in front of the falls; the water is said to give longevity. The shrine’s grounds contain six vermillion lacquered buildings such as the main nave, hall of worship, and treasure house, as well as numerous other points of note such as the Stone of the Yatagarasu (a mythical three-legged crow), and a massive 850-year-old tree planted by the noble Taira no Shigemori.

One of the most pictorial spots in Japan. Beautiful view. It is far to get here, but it is worth it. When the waterfall flows full capacity, it is very impressive.
Kamikura-jinja Shrine

4.5

212 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Kamikura 1-13-8

A Shinto shrine located in 1 Chome Kamikura, Shingu City. Situated on sacred ground where the god Kumano Omikami first descended to Earth. The Kodobiki Boulder, considered a sacred natural object and deity, is also located on the shrine grounds at the top of over 5000 natural stone steps. The Oto Matsuri, held each year on February 6, is an unusual festival in which white robed men carrying torches lit with a sacred flame run down a series of stone steps. The festival is designated an Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

The rock stairs were steep and somewhat challenging. Still, the walk was definitely worth it! The stairs were very steep for about 150-200m (~70m elevation gain), then started levelling off. A great...
Taiji Whale Museum

4.0

151 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Higashimuroguntaijichou Taiji 2934-2

A museum in Taiji, Taiji Town, Higashimuro County. Through various displays visitors can learn about the more than 400 year old relationship Taiji Town has had with whaling, as well as traditional whaling techniques, and the ecology of whales. Visitors can also watch the whales in action in dolphin and whale shows like the short-finned pilot whale show held in the natural pool built in the sea. The full scale skeleton of the world's largest animal, the blue whale, exhibited outdoors, is an impressive sight.

Please do not patronize this cruel and inhuman “museum” the beautiful albino dolphin named Angel swims in circles in a filthy small tank. Horrible.
Hiro-jinja Shrine

4.0

151 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Nachikatsuuracho Nachisan

A 20-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Station. This Shinto shrine is a subordinate shrine to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, counted among the Three Main Kumano Shrines; Nachi Falls is the shrine's shintai, or object of worship. The shrine has no front shrine and instead visitors worship in an area around 200 meters in front of the waterfall. Accordingly, visitors may participate in a formal prayer service not only in the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine's Honden but also here in front of the waterfall; and after the 30-minute service is over, participants can listen to a lecture on the history of the shrine. The shrine sells lucky charms depicting a dragon god based on an ancient legend that a dragon lives in the falls.

If you want to see the impressive waterfall, you must go to the shrine, which is next to it. The shrine itself, nothing out of the ordinary, but the waterfall is spectacular.
Nachi Waterfall (Hiro Jinja Shrine)

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan

This betsugu (associated shrine) of Kumano Nachi Taisha honors the deity of the Nachi-no-Taki waterfall. Boasting Japan’s largest uninterrupted drop of 133 meters, the waterfall is 13 meters wide and has a plunge basin with a depth of 10 meters. It is lit up a night during New Year’s Eve and is one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. Close to the waterfall is a viewing area where visitors can drink water from the plunge basin which is said to be water for longevity.
Fudarakusanji Temple

4.0

59 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Prefecture Higashi Muro-gun Nachikatsura-cho Hamanomiya 348

This temple is about three minutes on foot from JR Nachi Station. From the ninth to the eighteenth centuries, priests would fill their boats with 30 days' worth of provisions including food and oil and set out for Fudaraku, the mythical location of Kannon's Pure Land believed to be in the far southern seas. This temple is known as the starting point of the voyage. In 2004 the temple was recognized as part of the World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The principal object of worship is a Sanbojuichimen Senju Sengen Kannon Bosatsu image that's an Important Cultural Property. You can also view a replica of the boats they used for the voyage and the grave marker of the priests who attempted the trip.

「にっぽん丸」クルーズで観光タクシーを利用して散策した際に貸切時間に余裕があったので運転手さんに勧められて訪問しました。那智三所大神社に隣接して「神仏分離」を免れた希少な歴史遺産でした。過去の住職が9世紀から18世紀までの間に20以上試みられている南の洋上に補陀落浄土を求め死を賭して漕ぎ出す信仰の補陀落渡海で使用された渡海船の復元船が境内に展示されていました。撮影は不可でしたが本堂の中には美しい曼...
Asuka-jinja Shrine

4.0

49 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Asuka 1-2-25

This is an old Shinto shrine said to have been built in the year 423 BC. Inside the grounds Yayoi period pit dwellings and earthenware have been found, and these are displayed in the Shingu City Museum of History & Folklore. It was registered additionally as a World Heritage Site in 2016.

It is not the most famous in the area, just found in a quiet backstreet. It has colour and use of wood. It is worth a look, but not a spectacular site.
Roadside Station Nachi

3.5

38 Reviews

Transportation

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Hamanomiya 361-2

This roadside station on National Route 42 where the Kumano Kodo's Nakahechi Trail intersects with the Ohechi Trail is widely used as a base for sightseeing. The prime location has a variety of nearby attractions such as Daimon-zaka, Nachi Falls, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. Nachi-eki Kouryu Center is on the premises, as well as a farm stand selling handmade items like mehari-zushi rice balls and jam. Its Kumano Nachi World Heritage Information Center showcases local history, and its Nishikinoyu hot spring facility is open until 22:00. Nachi Beach is just a short walk away.

おみやげを探しに寄りました。朝10時頃だったのですが、めぼしいものがほとんどない…。トイレもきれいじゃあないし…残念です。
Roadside Station Taiji

4.0

21 Reviews

Transportation

Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Taijicho Moriura 143-1

Excellent road-side shop with large variety of local products. They have a restaurant too. Nice display of goods, did buy quite a few things here. Nice clean toilets and a good place for relaxing...
Jofuku Park

3.5

64 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Jofuku 1-4-24

This spot is said to be where the sorcerer Jofuku arrived in Japan seeking the elixir of eternal youth at the behest of Emperor Qin of China, in third century BC. It was established as a park in 1994. The tomb of Jofuku, surrounded by the trees from which the tendaiu elixir was made, is here, as well as his epitaph and the Nanatsuka memorial to Jofuku’s seven vassals. At the shop one can buy tea that contains the tendaiuyaku (miraculous medicinal plant), as well as rent bicycles and Chinese style costumes.

So Jofuku is really a court shaman from China and it was really interesting to learn more about him. I dont know if the elixir of life plant works for health, but you can buy some products .ade...
Kino Matsushima

4.0

49 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Nachikatsuuracho Katsuura

The boarding location for this tour boat is located approximately a five-minute walk from the JR Kii-Katsuura Station. It visits the unusual rock formations scattered outside Katsuura Port. The name, Kinomatsushima, refers to the beauty of the location, which is comparable to that of Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Customers can board two types of tour boat and visit around the unusual shaped islands such as the Camel rock which has the camel-like hump as the name suggests, the Lion Island with green bushes on the top which looks like mane of a lion , the Cave of Tsurushima Island, the Yamanari Island where Taira no Koremori is said to have drowned himself. The course of the tour boats may change depending on the season and weather.

I was snapping photos, hoping some came out while shooting into the sun, but the landscape was outstanding.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Shingu 1

One of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide, rare and unusual festivals are held here, such as the Torch Festival, which involves men dressed in white garb carrying lit torches and racing down the shrine’s steep stone steps. A central location in the Kumano faith, which seeks to achieve self-enlightenment through penance conducted along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, the shrine is dedicated to the god Kumano Hayatama. The shrine also worships Ketsumiko no okami and Fusumi no okami, and houses and displays some 1,200 ancient treasures, including designated National Treasures. A great nagi tree over 1,000 years old spreads its branches over the grounds, and the shrine’s charms for providing luck with love and marriage are made with nagi seeds.
Kumanogawa Boat River Cruise

4.5

26 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Kumanogawachouhitari 350 (Kumano River/Kawato Center)

A cruise which travels down the Kumanogawa River, which once was used by the Imperial family and nobles when visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine and Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. The 90 minute long cruise travels from the boat center in Kumanogawa Town, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture to the Gongen dry river bed near Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. Some of the cruises numerous highlights include Aoinotaki Falls, the Tsurigane (Temple Bell) Stone, and the sacred Mt. Chihogamine; meanwhile, riders can enjoy the unique tour program provided by the accompanying kataribe storyteller. The cruise is popular with people of all ages and gives participants the chance to enjoy the abundant natural beauty of Kumano.

Great trip down the river to finish at Shingu. Easy to get to by bus, it stops at the landing, and a great ride down the river, especially on a sunny day. Finishes up right next to Kumano Hayatama...
Seiganto-ji Temple

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan 8

A Tendai sect Buddhist temple which is the first station on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Once a great Shugendo Shinto-Buddhist temple dedicated to Nachi Falls, it was divided into the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple with the official order separating Buddhism and Shintoism in the country. The temple has long been a holy place in the Kumano faith, which seeks self-enlightenment through the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. The temple’s main object of worship, a figure of Cintamanicakra, is said to have been found at the basin of Nachi Falls and enshrined here by Ragyo, a priest who came to Japan from India during the reign of Emperor Nintoku (313-399). The vermillion three-tier pagoda behind the main temple nave harmonizes with the falls and creates a beautiful (and popular) photo spot.
Daimon-zaka (Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route)

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan

"This famous slope is part of the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan's three great pilgrimage routes. There used to be a checkpoint with a large gate near the start of the slope where the authorities collected a toll for passing, which is where Daimon-zaka got its name. Located after the remains of the Shingu clan's checkpoint, it has a mystical atmosphere with rows of old cedar trees and mossy cobblestone paving. Two enormous trees called the ""Married Cedars"" thought to be about 800 years old are on either side of the path just as you start walking on the slope. Daimonzaka Tea House rents Heian Period (794–1185) outfits that you can try on for a commemorative photograph or even wear to visit one of the local shrines."
Sato Haruo Memorial Museum

3.5

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Shingu 1 Kumano Hayatama Taisha Main Building

"This museum is on the grounds of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. You can reach it by taking a bus to the Gongen Mae stop and walking about two minutes. It displays a variety of poetry collections, novels, and essays by the modern Japanese poet and writer Sato Haruo. Active from the end of the Meiji period to the Showa period, he was known for his poem “May Nostalgia."" The building itself was Haruo Sato's Tokyo home. It was moved to his native Shingu City as is in 1989. Exhibitions are held in his study, and recordings of the author reading his own poetry play as you enter the building."

新宮駅から徒歩20分ほど。熊野速玉大社の駐車場に隣接。入館料330円。佐藤春夫(1892-1964年)は新宮出身の作家で「秋刀魚の歌」が代表作。記念館の建物は、1927年に東京都文京区に建てられた邸宅を1989年に移築復元したもの。設計は西村伊作(文化学院創設者)の弟である大石七分。1階には生前そのままに再現された応接間があり、2階には和室と展示室がある。展示資料は撮影不可。春夫の書籍、絵画、文...
Hiromitsu Ochiai Baseball Hall

4.5

10 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Taijicho

This memorial hall is located in Taiji, Taiji Town, Higashimuro County Wakayama Prefecture. It honors the outstanding professional baseball career of three time Triple Crown winner Hiromitsu Ochiai. Exhibits include trophies and other memorabilia, videos, and more. The hall, which is hexagonal in honor of Ochiai's No. 6 uniform number, features a cafe with a sweeping view of the ocean. Outside the hall there is a miniature baseball field that can be used for baseball seminars.

年末年始は落合さんが在館しているので、一度お会いしたくて行きました。平日の午後でしたので、自分の他は大学生のグループだけでしたので、二階のラウンジで落合さんと世間話を暫くすることができました。だだ、オーラがスゴくて緊張しまくりでしたが…(笑) サインも気さくに応じてくれて、館内で買った色紙の他に、持参した落合さんの著者に名前と日付入りでサインしてもらいました。行かれるなら、落合さんが在館し...
Roadside Station Okutoro

Transportation

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunkitayamamura Shimoi 335

This roadside station is on National Route 169 in Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Located at the eastern edge of Wakayama Prefecture, it provides tourist information for the Kitayama Village area, has outdoor activity and sports facilities, a spa, and lodging. They also have a cultural area exhibiting artifacts from the Jomon period. Their Jabara Shokudo serves fare packed with the goodness of the local mountains, and their Jabaraya specialty shop sells woodwork and local specialty products. While it's a great rest stop on your drive through the mountains, it has so much to offer it's a destination in its own right.
Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market

4.0

45 Reviews

Shopping

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Tsukiji 7-12

A fishing port located in Nachikatsuura Town, a part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range World Heritage Site. The port serves as a base for tuna longline fishing and boasts the greatest catches of fresh tuna in Japan. Tuna auctions are also held here early in the morning, and visitors can watch this taking place from a second-floor observation deck. The Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market is held at the port every Sunday morning. Visitors to the market can purchase fresh seafood at bargain prices. In addition, the Nankikatsuura Onsen hot spring district is located right next door, making it easy to plan a fun-filled sightseeing route.

Went in after the tuna auction for some fresh quality tuna. Did not disappoint ! Its a very small market with around 15-20 shops. But their food s great ! Outdoor dining area available as well
Nishiki-no-Yu (Roadside Station Nachi, Nachi Station Koryu Center)

3.5

6 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Hamanomiya 361-2

This day-use bathing facility is in the exchange center adjacent to JR Nachi Station. The town managed station building is modeled after a Shinto shrine, and it's a base for tourism in Nanki Kumano. The second-floor facility with its large public bath has a view of Nachi Bay and its beaches as well as the blue waters of Katsuura by day and its city lights by night. A simple thermal hot spring, its water is said to alleviate nerve pain, as well as muscle and joint pain. It offers convenient access to Mt. Nachi. There you'll find Nachi Falls, with the longest single uninterrupted drop in the country, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and Seigantoji Temple, the first stop on the Saigoku Kannon Reijo Pilgrimage.

「にしきのゆ」と読むようです。JR那智駅前に「道の駅」エリアとして存在しています。日帰り温泉＋世界遺産センター。世界遺産センターのほうは那智勝浦町の予算でしっかり熊野古道を語っています。確か本宮大社では田辺市が同じようなハコ優先の施設を作っていました。それはさておき、那智駅で熊野交通のバスを乗換える発想があるか、もしくはクルマ移動で道の駅好きという、いずれかの条件が揃わないとここには人が集まりませ...

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Wakayama Areas

Wakayama prefecture unites pilgrims, food lovers, and culture buffs in a tranquil corner of Japan at the base of the Kii Peninsula. The setting for many a Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, Wakayama invites those in search of spirituality from one side of the prefecture to the other, from the 100-plus Buddhist temples of the sacred Mount Koya in the west to the inspiring temples of the Kumano Sanzan set among breathtaking nature in the east. Once the grueling hike is complete, make a beeline for Wakayama city to savor some of the country’s most delicious ramen noodles.